In short, something was meditated
upon a plan resembling the imaginative tale of Sintram and his
Companions, by Mons. Le Baron de la Motte Fouque, although, if it then
existed, the author had not seen it. The scheme projected may be
traced in the first three or four chapters of the work, but farther
consideration induced the author to lay his purpose aside. In changing
his plan, however, which was done in the course of printing, the early
sheets retained the vestiges of the original tenor of the story,
although they now hang upon it as an unnecessary and unnatural
encumbrance.
* * * * *
Sir Walter then points out his departures from this rude sketch, and
mentions the prototypes of several of his principal characters; such as
Jean (and her granddaughter Madge) Gordon, of Kirk Yetholm, for Meg
Merrilies; and a nameless individual for Dominie Sampson. "Such a
preceptor as Mr. Sampson," says he, "is supposed to have been, was
actually tutor in the family of a gentleman of considerable property.
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